E Komo Mai (Welcome) TO:
MAKAWAO and OLINDA
MAKAWAO/OLINDA: Small Town Charm, Prestigious schools, Stylish Boutiques in cooler temperature elevation.
A historic area with Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboy) Roots with a thriving arts scene.
Nestled on the mid-slopes of Haleakala Mountian are Makawao and Olinda. Makawao is sometimes called the “biggest little town” and has a rich history steeped in Paniolo culture. The Makawao Rodeo held annually on the 4th of July is one of Hawaii’s largest paniolo competitions. This event is one of the favorite events of the year for Mauians. The weekend can include parades, calf roping, bareback bronco riding, etc.
But don’t worry if that’s not your thing. Because the town of Makawao is also home to many of Maui’s most stylish boutiques, art galleries and artisans’ shops, etc. It’s sophisticated with a hometown feel. Visit Makawao and see for yourself. It will put a smile on your face!
THE Atmosphere/WHAT TO EXPECT
Love the low-key chill atmosphere.
Makawao is a popular place to live due to it being a charming walking town with a cooler climate. It doesn’t typically get as much rain as Haiku but more than Pukalani.
Charming town with stylish boutiques. Small sidewalks. Indy vibes, casual restaurants. Small open-air market with food vendors, and craftsmen.
Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center, where visitors can take classes and explore free gallery exhibits. The combination of its paniolo heritage and its lively artistic community (artists, glassblowers, woodworkers, etc) makes this town unique.
Location: close to Kula, Haiku, Pukalani. About 20 minutes to Kahului Airlport.
Weather: Typically less rain than Haiku but more than Pukalani. Not terribly scientific. For more accurate data click here.
WHAT NOT TO EXPECT
Not your fancy, “must see me” vibe.
Makawao is definitely a great place to find things that are more from ‘independent designers” and not your uber-brand logo wear. This in my opinion is a nice reprieve from “logo fatigue” kind of stores. Won’t see big box stores. No big hotel chains.
THE REAL ESTATE MARKET
Since Prices changes. Go to my to this page for general Makawao/Olinda real estate statistics. Or just email me at JeannieKongEvarts@gmail.com
YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH
The intimate and charming old-town spirit of the neighborhood with biking and hiking trails!
The stylish boutiques, the outdoor cafes, the cooler temps, the slower pace feel makes this one of my favorite places on Maui.
Makawao Forest Hikes! Makawao Forrest Bike Paths. So you think Maui only has waves, palm trees and beaches? Think again, because our Makawao Forrest Reserve makes you feel like you are in the Pacific Northwest (at least to me). The chilly air, the misty rain, the tall trees. Just beautiful… Over 2000 acres of preserved land. Check it out here.
Keep in mind below items are subject to change! Always get up-to-date information! If you see any updates needed, please email me at JeannieKongEvarts@gmail.com
Things to Do:
- Stroll through Makawao Town (visit shops, restaurants, art galleries, glass blowers, etc)
- Zipline at Piiholo Ranch
- Makawao Forest Reserve (foot and bike paths)
- Waihou Spring Trail
- Upcountry Farmer’s Market (actually this is technically in Pukalani but close enough and it’s a must-go for all local produce etc.)
- Seabury Hall Events
- Hui N’eau Visual Center
- Maui Alpaca
- Makawao History Museum https://www.makawaomuseum.org/
- and more!
Boutiques, Art Galleries, and Craftsmen:
- The Mercantile
- Pink By Nature
- DRIFTWOOD
- Designing Wahine (home decor, gifts and linen clothing)
- Collections (love this eclectic boutique)
- Hurricane Limited
- Holiday & Co Maui (one of my favorite shops!)
- Dragons Den Herb Shop
- Maui Hands
- Viewpoints Gallery (one of my favorite art galleries on Maui)
- Sherri Rieve
- Hot Island Glass (watch them blow glass right in their shop)
- Maui Master Jewelers
- and more…
Places to Eat:
- T. Komoda Store and Bakery (famous cream puff and donuts on a stick. Established in 1916 by Takezo Komoda, a Japanese plantation worker, this little store is famous and is an icon. They close on Wednesdays and Sundays. But always check with them before making the drive because I have seen it closed at random times-maybe vacation?)
- Makawao Garden Cafe
- Casanova Italian Restaurant (sometimes they also have live music and dancing)
- Hali’imaile General Store (this is a world-class restaurant by Bev Gannon.)
- Polli’s Mexican Restaurant (love their slogan “if you don’t come in, we’ll both starve”!)
- Kojima’s Sushi and Japanese Cuisine
- Pizza Fresh
- Stopwatch Sportsbar & Grill
- Rodeo General Store (has deli and takeouts)
- Food Trucks
- Maui Cookie Lady (uniquely delicious combinations for cookies. Why didn’t I know this about it sooner! Hard not to go by and not go in and get a cookie! I say “cookie” because one cookie is more than enough! So good!)
- any more…
Places to Stay… ( if looking for “Airbnb’s” please check for transient accommodations license and legitimacy!)
- Lumeria Maui Retreat Center
SCHOOLS
- Seabury Hall
- King Kekaulike High School (this might be technically the Pukalani area but it’s the only public high school in the area)
- Montessori School of Maui
- Makawao Elementary
- Kalama Intermediate School
Does this area interest you? Do you plan to move to Maui or invest? I would be happy to have a conversation with you and see if this is something that you would like to consider. It would be my honor to start the dialogue.. mahalo. I look forward to meeting you.
Jeannie Kong-Evarts REALTOR® (S) RS-68054
Maui Real Estate Advisors LLC
CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)
e-Pro, RENE, GREEN, Guild CLHMS
Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
Certified Negotiation Expert
Direct cell: 808-276-1832
Email: JeannieKongEvarts@gmail.com
Awarded “Realtor Salesperson of the Year 2018” by Realtor Association of Maui
CRS (Certified Residential Specialist is the highest credential awarded to residential sales agents, managers and brokers)
